Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face Liverpool In The Premier League

Newcastle United will face their toughest test of the season so far, when they take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, at the St. James’ Park, in gameweek 7 of the Premier League, on Sunday.  

The Magpies sit 10th in the league table with 10 points from 6 outings and come into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat away at the hands of fellow promoted club Brighton & Hove Albion. Manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping to exploit Liverpool’s defensive woes and come away with a point or three against his former employers, this weekend. 

Team News 

Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara are the only injured absentees for the Tynesiders. Florian Lejeune is a slight doubt due to an ankle problem. Aleksandar Mitrovic is available for selection after serving out his three-match suspension.

Here’s how Newcastle could line up against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday:

Manager: Rafael Benitez 

Formation: 4-2-3-1 

Rob Elliot (GK) 

The 31-year old has done a commendable job between the sticks for the Magpies this season and will want to continue in the same way against the Reds. 

Javi Manquillo (RB) 

The Spaniard had a disappointing loan spell at Liverpool a few years back and will want to prove a point or two with a strong performance. Should replace DeAndre Yedlin at right-back. 

Jamaal Lascelles (CB) 

The club captain is a pivotal player for the Magpies, with his solidity at the back and the threat from set-pieces in the opposition box. A definite starter. 

Ciaran Clark (CB) 

The Irishman is another solid operator at the back and has struck up a strong partnership with Lascelles. Will start in the heart of the defence.  

Chancel Mbemba (LB) 

The 23-year old has done admirably in Paul Dummett’s absence at left-back. Should continue to feature ahead of Jesus Gamez. Will have a huge task of containing Mohamed Salah.  

Mikel Merino (CM) 

The Spaniard has had a strong start to life in England and looks like a shrewd addition by the Magpies. Likely to feature in the place of Jonjo Shelvey. 

Isaac Hayden (CM) 

The former Arsenal man did not have the best of the games against Brighton last weekend and he will be wanting to bounce back with a strong display.

Matt Ritchie (RW)

The Scottish international has been the Toon’s best player so far this season. With his pace and quality on the ball, he can hurt the Liverpool defence.

Ayoze Perez (CAM) 

Has been a hit and a miss on occasions so far, but there is a lot of quality and talent within him. Needs to start showing it more consistently. 

Christian Atsu (LW) 

The Ghanaian has the ability to trouble the Reds’ backline if he gets going. Should start on the left flank on Sunday.

Dwight Gayle (ST)

Considering how wasteful Joselu has been in the previous two games for Newcastle, Benitez might reinstate Dwight Gayle in the attack for the weekend encounter.